Sir Keir Starmer rejects calls for reparations to avoid ‘long and endless discussions about the past’

Sir Keir Starmer has rejected calls for reparations for slavery, saying it would lead to “very long, endless discussions” about the past. The prime minister said while the transatlantic slave trade was “abhorrent”, he believes the countries affected by it would rather the UK help them with contemporary challenges, such as the impact of climate change. Speaking to reporters on the plane to Samoa, where he will attend the Commonwealth heads of government meeting (Chogm), Sir Keir said: “On the question of which way we’re facing, I think we should be facing forward. “I’ve talked to a lot of our Commonwealth colleagues in the Commonwealth family and they’re facing real challenges on things like climate in the here and now. “And in all the conversations I’ve had with them, what they’re most interested in is can we help them working with international institutions, financial institutions on the sorts of packages they need right now in relation to the challenges they’re facing right now.” Politics latest: Government announces new rule for firearms officers He added: “That’s where I’m going to put my focus rather than what will end up being very long, endless discussions about reparations on the past.” More on...